SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS
rhetoric
noun
The art of effective expression; also language criticized as impressive but lacking substance.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
Effective expression
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These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topRhetoric concerns techniques of effective expression, including written language. Oratory and public speaking are narrower spoken applications.
Impressive but empty language
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Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topThis critical sense implies more verbal display than substance. Eloquence alone does not carry that criticism.
RELATED FORMS, ONE FEATURED ENTRY
The rhetoric family
These forms are closely related, but their grammar and use are not identical. Expand a form to compare its meaning and examples.
rhetoricaladjective
Relating to the effective use of language; sometimes intended for effect without expecting a literal answer.
Using language for effect
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The speaker used a rhetorical question to introduce the central problem.
The rhetorical force of a student campaign speech came from a clear contrast between the broken bike racks and the simple repairs being proposed.
CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT
See rhetoric in use
The seminar examines how rhetoric shapes persuasive essays.
At a neighborhood exhibition meeting, Felix admired the speaker's rhetoric: a clear structure and memorable examples made the proposal easy to follow.
Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.
Synonym reference scope and sources
The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.
How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license